The World Race is an incredible kingdom journey to see the world and all that God is doing in it. But the World Race is not everyone’s calling. We are all called in different ways. We are all given different, individual, hand-picked gifts to bless others with. What you can do, I cannot, and what I can do, you cannot.
In Ephesians 3:8, Paul says, “Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasure available to them in Christ.” When Paul describes himself as “the least deserving of all God’s people,” he means that without God’s help, he would never be able to do God’s work.
So yes, the World Race can sound like this praiseworthy and admirable leap of faith- leaving the comforts of your home to walk into the unknown and uncomfortable with Jesus for 11 months. But it’s not the racers we should be praising. It’s the ONE who is sending those people out who deserves the praise. Jesus is the one changing lives. Jesus is the one bringing people to his Father. Jesus is the one healing the hurt. Jesus is the one loving others first. Jesus is the one calling people to trust without borders.
John 1:8 says, “John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.” We are not the source of God’s light; we merely reflect that light. We are never to present ourselves as the light to others, but are always to point them to Christ, the Light.
We all have the ability to reflect this light through the power of the Holy Spirit. So thank you to the mother who is using her unique gifts to love her children unconditionally. Thank you to the teachers who are using their God given gifts to educate and empower the youth. Thank you to the cashier for blessing someone’s day with your refreshing positivity and simple, yet powerful words. Thank you to the banker, for realizing that money dictates most of this country, yet reminding people of the bigger picture God has so clearly shared with you. Thank you for the musician, for using your talents to give life to others. Thank you for the reporter, for capturing someone else’s story in a way only you can do, to give that person’s life new meaning. Thank you to the technician who shows a commendable amount of patience. Thank you to the dad, who exudes strength and fights for victory in the midst of triumph. Thank you Jesus, for allowing these people to be used by you, with the gifts only you have given them.
So together, let’s begin or continue our journeys. All different, yet equally as significant. Let’s not worship the missionaries, the pastors, the spiritual leaders…let’s worship the Jesus who is in these people’s hearts; the Creator of all things. Draw on his power, do your part, and faithfully perform the special role God has called you to play in his plan.
